By Joshua Henschke

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

Joshua Henschke is a writer at the Wolverines blog Maize-N-Brew. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press nor its writers. Read his column every week here and contact him anytime at joshuahenschke@gmail.com.

When the nets were being cut during their Big Ten Championship celebration at the Crisler Center, many were left with the feeling that it would be the last time a certain individual would don a Michigan basketball jersey at home.

For Nik Stauskas, Tuesday culminated into a lifetime dream coming true. He was NBA-bound and not looking back.

A decision that appears to be the right move for him and his family.

At this point last year, if Stauskas were thinking about entering the Draft, he would’ve been laughed out of New York. Although he was not a poor player for Michigan, it was clear he needed another year to come back and work on his game.

He did just that.

Adding 16 pounds to his frame and seven inches to his vertical jump during the offseason, it was clearly evident that Stauskas was ready to make the jump from a role-player to a difference maker on the court. Transforming from a three-point deadeye to a more complete player.

Averaging 17 points a game this season, Stauskas helped lead his Michigan squad to an improbable run. Winning the Big Ten Championship outright and also an Elite Eight birth.

On top of that, Stauskas was also decorated with other various awards from around college basketball during his career at Michigan with various player of the week honors, All-American team selections and even a Big Ten Player of the Year award to cap off the 2014 season

Not to mention a NCAA Championship birth the year prior. Apart from winning the whole thing, what’s left to accomplish for Stauskas?

Declaring for the NBA Draft was the next logical step.

When the pundits are calling the guard a late lottery and a guaranteed first round pick, he has to listen. The evolvement of his game has turned into one of a NBA player. It’s unfortunate for Michigan to lose such a talent, but Stauskas had a dream.

He is ready to achieve it.

In an era where college basketball is dominated by “one-and-done’s” and not enough emphasis is placed on education, it is easy for the fans to get greedy and hope for Stauskas to come back for one more season.

What if it doesn’t work out and he’s a bust? Why not try for one more shot at a National Championship? Both are logical questions, but Stauskas is on the doorstep of a dream. It is partially because of him that these questions can be raised in the first place.

Be thankful he came to Michigan and be thankful he had a hand in putting Michigan basketball back on the map.

But Stauskas has bigger dreams to chase and larger shoes to fill.

In 2013, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry challenged Stauskas to a three-point contest. Stauskas would go on to say that he would look forward to such a contest.

Now, Stauskas has a chance to accept that challenge. He may never be in a three-point contest in his career, but at least he can say he will be in the NBA.

As for the fans, they can also happily claim Stauskas as one of their own. A Michigan Wolverine through and through.